Students who want to study in an English-speaking country or take a course in a mostly English-speaking language should take a broad English test like IELTS or TOEFL. OET is your best option if you are a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse. One of the options you can look for is an academic English test. They cover four basic language skills: hearing, reading, writing, and speaking, as do all English assessments. When taking an academic English test, you will be required to complete numerous assignments relevant to one of the four competencies. These assessments will generally reflect features of academic language and will determine whether or not you have the essential abilities to begin learning or training.
Common mistakes made by IELTS test writers
1. Attempting to decipher “magic words”: One of the most serious issues in both general and academic IELTS preparation is the widespread belief that using foreign words will result in high band scores. This is most likely the most serious issue with IELTS, and it is something you should avoid right now. If someone advises you to study a certain group of words in order to improve your IELTS score, they may not have a thorough understanding of the test and should be avoided.
2. Taking shortcuts: The fact that you can’t deceive test takers is one of the reasons IELTS is so popular around the world. You can’t act as if you don’t understand English. You won’t move from Band 5 to Band 8 by using “magic phrases” or “amazing tricks.” Learning a language takes time and effort. You will be successful in the long run if you are willing to invest in these things, but patience is required. You will lose money if you try to take shortcuts and avoid hard work by taking tests when you are not ready.
3. An excessive focus on accents: People from all over the world choose to study English with a British or American accent. They’ve been attempting to acquire this accent for years, but they’re wasting their time. It won’t benefit them, and they’ll never be successful as a result.
4. Excessive or insufficient writing: People who are confident in their ability to write in English write excellent essays with a lot of depth. They have chosen the “best” point of view. In the case of IELTS, however, this is not the case. You should be mindful that compounding your errors by writing more will result in more errors. Your score will suffer as a result of this.
5. Taking the test several times: Increasing your score from band 6 to band 7 or 8 can take a long time, so don’t book another exam and try again right away. It’s a total waste of money with little prospect of success.
Common mistakes made by OET exam writers
Poor grammar: Grammar is a crucial component of the OET. The rate of grammatical errors is relatively high when learning English or any new language. Candidates often lose marks for grammar and precision if there are 50% or more faults in their phrases. The grammatical structure of writing and speaking accounts for 25% of OET scores. Your sentences should be free of grammatical faults at least half of the time.
Punctuation and spelling: You must know proper spelling and punctuation in order to submit your work. Double-checking for spelling and punctuation errors will aid in the correction of any errors. Furthermore, using proper punctuation shows that you have a thorough command of the language in front of the examiner. It aids in the correction of such errors once the proofreading test is completed.
Layout: For formal purposes, the OET asks candidates to write various letters. The perfect design demonstrates that you understand the letter’s purpose. It demonstrates that your letter communicates your views, facts, and advice to patients, physicians, and other medical professionals in a clear and concise manner. As a result, in the written test, attention must be made to select the correct design.
Reader’s point of view: Always consider how your writing will be interpreted by the reader. The reader will always recommend the language you use. A patient, for example, may not be familiar with medical terminology, so his language must be devoid of it. If there are any complex words, the patient must pronounce them in order to fully comprehend the medical procedure. In the OET written exams, this should be represented.
Length: When drafting paragraphs, use a layout that takes into account the context of the exam. What you have to say will be muddled if you write in an essay format. This frequently leads to misunderstandings. Using words that accurately represent your facts to the reader aids in the creation of a clear picture in the reader’s mind. One method is to talk about only one point in a paragraph before moving on to the next. This will provide the reader with clarity while avoiding any ambiguity.
Precise explanation: The information you intend to convey must be reflected in the material. A long explanation takes the place of precision, whether it’s a written or a presentation test. You will only have a limited amount of time to report what you require in the medical area, and the precise method of communication should be represented in the examination, just as it would be in an emergency.
Speech rate: Normal speech pace is a sign of self-assurance. Speaking quickly does not imply that you must flow; otherwise, you will be out of sync with the other person. It may also result in a reduction in examiner grades. Always speak at a typical tempo that shows confidence and allows the examiner to comprehend you.
Common mistakes made by TOEFL writers
1. Be very anxious before the test: It’s natural for humans to be worried before undergoing a test. But don’t allow your apprehensions to get the better of you. Excessive stress might have a negative impact on your ability to perform. This is a symptom that you need to rest if you experience anxiety, diarrhoea, chronic discomfort, or numbness. Make a study schedule, take adequate breaks, and eat on time. Prepare for the TOEFL exam at least one day ahead of time. At least one day should be set aside for relaxation or recreational activities.
2. There is a lack of understanding of the TOEFL test pattern: After you’ve enrolled in the TOEFL test, the next step is to familiarise yourself with the test format. How many different types of categories are there? What is the total score for all of the modules? How long will it take to finish each section? This is one of the areas where test authors fall short and make errors. Keep in mind that the TOEFL is a four-and-a-half-hour examination.
3. Use oblique language or complicated grammar: For the TOEFL test, students should focus on improving their grammar and vocabulary. During the test, however, many test writers utilize anonymous terms or difficult grammatical patterns, which is counterproductive. Examiners evaluate a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively and fluently as well as their clarity of thought. As a result, utilise language and syntax that are familiar to you. You should be able to communicate your ideas and views as naturally as a native speaker. Spend time developing your content rather than using anonymous phrases and grammar.
4. Do not attempt to take practice exams: Practice tests are an important part of the TOEFL preparation process. Practice tests are a great way to get a feel for the exam style and the kinds of questions that will be asked in each category. Many free practice test jobs can be found online. So take advantage of them and put in a lot of practice time.
5. Failure to recall registration information: You will be asked to produce your valid ID when you arrive at a test centre. Make a mental note of the name and registration number you used to register for the TOEFL. Candidates will not be able to take the exam if there is a discrepancy.
6. Don’t take notes: While you study for the TOEFL, practise taking notes fast in the reading and listening sections. This will make the exam go more smoothly for you, and you will be able to answer the questions correctly. All components, particularly the listening section, should be completed quickly. You may need to write notes more quickly due to time constraints.
7. Losing motivation during the test: If something goes wrong in a category, don’t lose hope or get stressed. Begin the next section quietly and without a sense of urgency. Don’t forget about the errors you made in the previous part and don’t make them again.
8. Distraction and loss of concentration: Other test writers should not be a source of distraction. Concentrate solely on your exam. Also, arrive at your exam centre at least 30 minutes before the start of the test.
It offers a number of advantages to be able to converse in the mother tongue of the place where you want to work or study. It is necessary for work and social integration.
